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Christ Church from Independence Memorial Museum
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Things to do in Windhoek | Top 10 sights

In the heart of Namibia lies the capital of the country, Windhoek. Many travelers who arrive or travel around Namibia will only visit the capital for a short time. Most travelers are on their way to the rest of the country... Shame! Don't be tempted to leave Windhoek too quickly. Windhoek is the perfect introduction to Namibia. In this article we have collected some unique places for you, so that you know exactly what to see and do in Windhoek. These are the Top 10 sights in Windhoek that you must see before you start your next trip roadtrip through Namibia.

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About Windhoek

Windhoek is the largest city in Namibia with approximately 320.000 inhabitants. Windhoek has many beautiful sights and is located at an altitude of approximately 1650m, surrounded by mountains. Located about 45 km outside the center the international airport.

Windhoek has been under German regime for a long time. In the city you can still clearly recognize the German characteristics, from German street names to typical German food. The city is small enough to spend a day exploring the sights, but remember that there are many hills with few high-rise buildings, so the distances are quite long. A (rental) car is therefore recommended. Public transport is very rare as buses do run but it is not clear where they stop. The locals do everything by taxi. You can find these everywhere and are relatively cheap.

Top 10 Things to Do in Windhoek

1. Christ Church

Windhoek's most famous landmark, also known as Christ Church, is the city's biggest tourist attraction. On top of the mountain with a view over downtown Windhoek is this 121 year old church. It is definitely one of the most beautiful sights in Windhoek. Construction started in the year 1907 to be opened in 1910 after the war between Germany and Khoikhoi, Herero and Ovambo as opposed to peace. The church is located in the middle of the roundabout in the arterial road of Robert Mugabe Avenue and is made of local sandstone from the nearby Avis dam.

The Christ Church from the Independence Memorial Museum
The Christ Church from the Independence Memorial Museum

2.Independence Memorial Museum

Next to the Christ Church it is Independence Memorial Museum also one of the must-see sights in Windhoek. The 40-meter high golden building is not to be missed and was designed and built by a North Korean company. At the top are 3 floors of museum, where the first floor tells the story under colonial rule of different countries. The second floor is about the resistance movement, whereby the third floor connects to the road to independence of the country Namibia. The museum was opened on the 21st March 2014 on the 24th anniversary of Namibia's independence as it is known today.

Independence Memorial Museum with Sam Nujoma . in the foreground
Independence Memorial Museum with Sam Nujoma . in the foreground

At the very top there is a rooftop bar with a beautiful view over the Christuskirche and the rest of the city. Back down again, take the glass elevator and enjoy Windhoek from above. On the square in front of the building is a large statue of Sam Nujoma, the first president of independent Namibia.

View from rooftop bar on the south of Windhoek
View from rooftop bar on the south of Windhoek

3. Alte Feste

The Alte Feste is hidden between the Christ Church and the Independence Memorial Museum. This old German fortress was found in 1890. This makes it one of the oldest buildings in the city of Windhoek. In the German colonial era it was used for the so-called Schutztruppe who stayed here until 1915. It has been an official monument since 1957, where the State Historical Museum has been located since 1962. Here you can find all information about the history of Namibia from the different tribes up to independence.

Where previously the Reiterdenkmal stood in front of the Independence Memorial Museum, this was moved in 2010 to the front of the Alte Feste. The Reiterdenkmal symbolizes the war between Germany and Herero/Namaqua and is a controversial subject that is still much discussed in the 80s and now. In December 2013, the statue was removed by an unknown person and it is not yet known who has it in his possession.

4. Namibia Craft Center

You must have passed this place before you go home, you can buy the most beautiful souvenirs here. The most beautiful handmade souvenirs, but also clothing, shoes and jewelry can be bought here from small entrepreneurs who are together in the Craft Center. Think of the bushmen sandals or one of the big five carved from wood. It is not directly one of the most beautiful sights in Windhoek, but very nice to visit.

If you have become a bit tired after all that shopping, you can rest in the nearby Craft Café. Here you can order coffee, tea, juices and delicious smoothies. Don't forget to order something delicious to eat.

5. Visit to Township Katatura

In the north of the city of Windhoek is the township Katatura. In the 50s, the black population of the city had to move here. They had to live here until the end of Apartheid. It is therefore known as “the place where people do not want to live”. The social services are lower than other parts of the city but there are clean water points distributed by Katatura and 2 toilets are available per 50 inhabitants. Electricity is rarely available and if there is, it is often illegally tapped from the overlying electricity network. For your own safety, do not go here alone but with a guide who is well known in Katatura.

The township of Katatura | In and around Windhoek
The township of Katatura | In and around Windhoek

The Township itself is an attraction in itself. There are self-built bars every few meters where they often brew their own beer. If there is no bar, you can certainly find a car wash or a hair salon where you can have your hair done for a few euros. Be sure to visit one of the many markets and eat the Namibian specialty, Kapana. Kapana is grilled beef with Kapana herbs and you eat it together with a salsa of tomatoes and onions in combination with vetkoek.

Sale of Kapana at a market in Katatura
Sale of Kapana at a market in Katatura

6. Watch the sunset from Hilton Skybar

For the most beautiful sunset that disappears behind the mountains, you have to go to the Hilton Hotel. This is one of the most popular attractions in Windhoek. Take the elevator to the top floor and grab a drink and enjoy. There is also a large swimming pool that you can use during the day for a small price. Be there well before sunset otherwise there will be no table available.

7. For the best meat dishes, go to Joe's Beerhouse

This lovely restaurant is located in the Eros district. The German influences are immediately noticeable upon entering and the recommended drink is Jägermeister. The menu includes schnitzels, but also delicious game steaks. In short, go here and enjoy the conviviality and the good and affordable food. Vegetarians better skip this restaurant because with only 3 choices it is quite limited.

Many students also come here for a nice evening out, see my blog Study in Namibia | A blog about universities and student life

Entrance of Joe's Beerhouse
Entrance of Joe's Beerhouse

8.Zoo Park

In the center of the city of Windhoek is the public park, Zoo Park, on Independence Avenue. Many local people gather here in their spare time to enjoy the weather while enjoying a snack and a drink. Take a look at the Vinyls Café located at the Zoo Park and feel as if you are in the 80s. This is also a place where many students work and study during the day and enjoy their free time in the evening.

9.Windhoek Railway Station

Since 1912, this train station has been in this state in the city of Windhoek. The TransNamib Museum is located on the first floor of the building. Here the history of the train network in Namibia is showcased. It is one of the must-see sights in Windhoek.

The train station in Windhoek
The train station in Windhoek

Today, a TransNamib train still runs from Windhoek to Swakopmund, Keetmanshoop, Walis Bay or Tsumeb. The railway is also mainly used for freight transport. For the more luxurious experience, a ride on the Desert Express is necessary to Swakopmund. Take your time for this because there are several activities on the way for a complete experience. It is not cheap, but it is an experience for life.

10. Am Weinberg

Nestled against the mountain with stunning views over the Ludwigsdorf and Klein Windhoek districts, this modern boutique hotel makes you feel like you're in Dubai. Go for an African house wine and enjoy the sunset among their own vineyards on the Sky Lounge or book a lovely afternoon to yourself in the spa.

View from the Sky Lounge Am Weinberg | In and around Windhoek
View from the Sky Lounge Am Weinberg | In and around Windhoek

Start from you Roadtrip by Namibia

These Top 10 sights in Windhoek are hopefully a nice start to your trip, but now the real work begins! You probably now own your rental car, 4×4 or camper and the roadtrip through Namibia has really started. Have fun traveling!

Rent a 4x4 or camper in Namibia
Rent a car, 4x4 or camper in Namibia

Are you thinking of following our footsteps and renting a 4x4 with roof tent or camper with friends, partner or family? Then be sure to take a look Travelhome en Sunnycars. The range is extensive, from 4x4s with roof tents to full-fledged family campers.

Pros:
  • Best way to discover Namibia
  • Custom Made
  • Expert advice from specialists
  • Full quote with no hidden costs
View camper offer View car / 4x4 offer
By using these affiliate links you support us at no extra cost. Thank you!
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Elaine Sieben

I have traveled quite a bit in my life. For example, in 2021 I lived in Namibia during my studies and in 2022 I was traveling in Austria, Germany, Belgium, South Korea, South Africa and Namibia!

In 2023 I visited the countries of Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Turkey, France, French Guiana, Suriname, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, England, Poland, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi and Uganda.

Planning 2024: Travel even more and see the world. In the meantime, I have already seen 36 countries in this beautiful world that lies at our feet.

Check out my Instagram @travel_with_eline for more beautiful photos and stories about my travels.

Quote: "Great times never come from comfort zones!"

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